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S3 marks the final chapter of a beloved series

Last Season of The Last of Us Leaves Fans Divided | Final Season Anticipated

By

Kaori Yamada

Feb 24, 2026, 01:10 PM

3 minutes of duration

Promotional art for the final season featuring key characters in a dramatic setting
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A significant shift is happening in the fanbase of The Last of Us, as many realize that the upcoming third season might mark the end of the beloved series. This revelation has sparked discussions across various forums, with fans split on the show's direction and quality.

Controversy Brews Over Ratings

Recently, fans reacted strongly to the series' second season, with claims of review bombing impacting its ratings. Comments highlight dissatisfaction, particularly regarding the narrative quality and representation of characters. One user noted, "If the games are a 10/10, this at best could have been 8/10."

Key Themes from Fan Reactions

  1. Narrative Quality

    Many argue that The Last of Us Season 2 diverged too far from its source material, leading to issues in storytelling. Comments reference a loss of depth and meaningful interactions that defined the first season.

  2. Review Bombing Concerns

    Thereโ€™s a clear divide over the impact of online ratings. Some users pointed out that political views are influencing ratings, calling the system flawed. โ€œAt what point do we stop using IMDB ratings as the default for these things?โ€ one user questioned.

  3. Polarizing Views on Adaptation

    The adaptation has caused frustration among fans, with sentiments ranging from "Itโ€™s actually not that, itโ€™s poor narrative quality" to celebration over good performances. Reactions included, โ€œThe last of 'emโ€ and โ€œThatโ€™s crazy high considering the massive review bomb.โ€

The Ratings Landscape

Tracking the response, one user pointed out the contrasting ratings, noting that Season 1 maintains a solid score while the second season suffers from controversy. Interestingly, international ratings displayed some discrepancies; for example, the UK rated it 8.8, yet Saudi Arabia's score stood at a mere 1.4.

"I understand people enjoy it, but I thought it was incredibly disappointing,โ€ commented another, illustrating the mixed reviews.

Key Insights

  • โš”๏ธ Split Fanbase: Views range from high praise to severe criticism over the adaptation choices.

  • ๐Ÿ” Flawed Ratings: Ongoing discussions challenge the reliability of fan ratings in the current climate.

  • ๐ŸŽญ Narrative Shifts: Several argue that the tonal changes from the gameโ€™s serious themes hurt the show's impact.

As the last season looms, how will it affect the legacy of The Last of Us? Will fans embrace a fitting conclusion, or will it further deepen the divide?

The Road Ahead for The Last of Us Finale

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that the final season of The Last of Us will attempt to address fans' concerns about earlier narrative shifts. With debates heating up online, experts estimate that around 70% of viewers hope for a satisfying conclusion that honors the original game's story. However, if the show continues down its controversial path, this could further alienate a significant part of its audience. As fan reactions unfold, the producers may face increasing pressure to respond to criticism, potentially leading to adjustments in storytelling and character arcs that align more closely with what long-time fans desire.

Echoes of Gaming's Past

Looking back, a curious parallel emerges with the Game of Thrones finale. That series also faced extreme backlash over its closing chapters, with fans feeling betrayed by sudden plot changes. Just as some Game of Thrones viewers sought solace in fan-made theories and narratives, The Last of Us community might rally around new discussions and content that reshape their perception of the series. In both cases, a beloved franchise ended in discord, prompting passionate fans to create their own narratives as a coping mechanism for disappointing endings.